What we believe plays a very big role in outcomes in our life. If you believe you cannot do something, then you will not even try. You will give up without lifting a finger. When you label something impossible, you brain simply shuts down. It does not bother processing the information at its disposal. It is not worth the effort.

If somehow, you start to believe that it is possible, then like a shut down plant, your brain will roar back into life. Adrenaline will start pumping, and you begin to think out options and scenarios on how to solve the problem. It all happens in the mind.

A lot of folks were brought up to believe that they couldnt do so many things, or attain certain heights. Physical, emotional and verbal abuse during the growing up years breeds low self esteem. We limit ourselves and lower our expectations. We underestimate our capabilities and settle for less. When this happens, we fall short of exploiting our utmost potential, and end up being much less than the best that we can be.

A seemingly insignificant event in a new office taught me a lesson I will never forget.

I was seconded to clients office for a period of one year. As a new kid in the block, I was issued a temporary pass pending the issuance of a regular ID. Electronic keys controlled the doors to the floors. Access was by swiping your ID across the sensor. Since my ID was not ready, I usually hovered around the doors, waiting for someone to come through, so that I can sneak in. Folks looked at me funny. This went on for some days. Then one fine afternoon, I hovered and hovered, no one came through. Time was going. No help was in sight. In exasperation, I used my mobile to call a colleague within to come bale me out.

Where is your temporary pass he asked as he opened the door. I flashed it. He laughed.

That pass opens all the doors he said. It was a sobering moment for me.

I felt sorry for myself, for all the embarrassing moments I hovered around the passage, waiting for someone to come through, while I had the key in my pocket.

I felt scared, and sad. I wondered how many times Ive had the answer within, while I labored without, seeking

It made me wonder what stuff I had within, that I had no clue about. I wondered how many times Ive sold myself short because I knew not what stuff I was made of. I wondered if I could have gone much further in life, if only I knew...

It is not too late to believe in your self. If you have a God given dream, you have all it takes to execute it. Do not give up on yourself. Dont allow the magnitude of the dream or the apparent obstacles to faze you. If you believe you can, chances are, you can. If you believe you cant, then you cant.

Do not allow negative things said about you by authority figures in your life box you into going for mediocrity. Their opinion does not matter if you believe you can.

Even if nobody else does, believe in you.